CHAFT - “Life”
Multi-instrumentalist Derek Miller, aka CHAFT, from Boston, Massachusetts, returns to the blog with the sublime new indie folk track, “Life.”
“Life” is founded around the steady, weaving tones of double tracked acoustic guitar that sounds as if it has been soaked in the warmth of the sun. Accompanied only by the gentle push of a kick drum that is reminiscent of Paul McCartney’s foot taps on “Blackbird,” and cinematic flourishes of golden synth pads, “Life” is confidently stripped back. In many ways the song is reminiscent of the effortlessly beautiful catalogue of Beck from the early noughties. There is no crescendo or grand cathartic release present, instead CHAFT allows the track to dissolve reflectively at its conclusion which if anything leaves a bigger impression.
Soft, intimate and supported by excellent uses of double tracking and harmonies, the vocal of CHAFT is as pleasingly unembellished as the music. Flowing effortlessly through the intertwining acoustic guitar it brings a pleasing focus to the lyrics that explore transition, growth and wonder.
“Life” is a wonderful exercise in restraint underlining that less is more. The track is taken from CHAFT’s new EP, 95, which is out today: “Life presents a much more sentimental, softer tone than the rest of the record, describing the appreciation of my partner Emily during a very difficult health event…Many of the themes of the album dive into confronting mortality, panic, and appreciation for loved ones.”
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